I was slow to like the 204. But reading articles by JB caused me to look into it a bit more.
The 204 is better for prairie dogs than the 223 in a couple of ways (windage and elevation) and I shoot a lot of 223 ammo at PD's. Some years we get a lot of shooting. Last year it was a very dry year and numbers were rather poor. The range for the dogs were 400+ yards, it was breezy and my 22-250 AI got most of the shooting.
Here's some loads my 204 Ruger liked.
204 Remington 700, 40 grain Hornady V-max, 27.2 grains IMR 4895, 0.44 MOA
The 204 liked all the loads from 27.2 to 28.6 grains, but 27.2 grains was the most accurate the 28.6 group size was .52 MOA
I don't know why but 27.8 shot the biggest groups .66 MOA.
204 Remington 700, 32 grain Hornady V-max, 21 grains IMR 4198, 0.44MOA (only one 5 shot group) I could not get next groups to shoot as well.
204 Remington 700, 40 grain Ballistic tip, 27 grain TAC, 0.52 MOA (multiple groups)
I'd go with either TAC or IMR 4895 for accuracy. But IMR4895 is my favorite.
I re-barreled the 204 and the new SS barrel is only as accurate as the old barrel. I had the old barrel for sale - it is no longer for sale. I'll keep it until the SS barrel burns out.
I started with 32 grain bullets because that was what was available. I'll be sticking with the 40 grain bullets and I have a good supply.
